Will Sutton

After a prolific college career at Arizona State, Sutton had a bumpy rookie season for the Bears, appearing in 15 games and contributing 22 tackles and no sacks. While such struggles aren’t uncommon for a first-year player transitioning to the pro ranks, it’s highly questionable that Sutton will show improvement in his second season. With the Bears changing their defensive scheme from a 4-3 to a 3-4, Sutton has the unenviable task of switching from a three-technique role to that of a run-clogging nose tackle. Not particularly stout at 6-foot-0 and 315 pounds, Sutton seems an ill fit for the new system, and could be at risk of getting cut if he fails to outperform second-round draft pick Eddie Goldman in training camp.

After amassing 13 sacks and 23.5 total tackles for loss to earn All-American honors as a junior at Arizona State, Sutton's production slipped as a senior due to weight issues, resulting in his slipping to the third round in the 2014 NFL Draft. Assuming the Bears can help Sutton maintain his conditioning, he presents as much upside as any player in the team's defensive tackle ranks, particularly for his abilities as a pass rusher. He'll have a chance to compete for a starting role as a rookie at one of the tackle spots, though he'll be pushed by incumbents Jeremiah Ratliff and Stephen Paea, as well as second-round rookie Ego Ferguson.